Accessibility Links

Ferguson takes hope from Arsenal’s swagger

By Oliver Kay and George Caulkin

March 5 2003, 12:00am, The Times

SIR ALEX FERGUSON, irked by the perceived triumphalism of an Arsenal side galloping into the distance at the top of the Barclaycard Premiership, has accused the London club of “overconfidence”, giving warning that it could be left feeling “sheepish” at the end of the season.

In a move that signals the first shot in the psychological warfare that has become a feature of recent title races, the Manchester United manager has said that his team are ready to capitalise if Arsenal’s confidence gets the better of them.

Eight points separate the two at the top, United having played one game fewer, but Ferguson expects victory over Leeds United at Old Trafford tonight to restore the margin to a more acceptable five points.